Friday, September 6, 2013
Love for Labor Lost
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/02/opinion/krugman-love-for-labor-lost.html Due 16 Sep 2013. Do the people in the US respect those who labor?? Does the Congress respect laborers, according to Krugman?? What is Krugman's rationale for this problem? Why has "Labor Day" lost it's original meaning?
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I feel like respect has been lost for Laborers. Most Americans see Labor Day as a day of rest, not a day that we should be thankful for those who worked their entire lives. Laborers have helped build this nation into what it is today, while also having to provide for their families. Krugman's view is that "...today’s politicians can’t even bring themselves to fake respect for ordinary working Americans." Krugman's reasoning behind this is that just because a few handfuls of people are doing well doesn't mean that we stop giving respect to those who are continuing to put their all into everything they do.
ReplyDeleteRespect for laborers have been definitely decreased over the years because nowadays many people do not realize the effort and sweat people put into what they do to make a living. Why? Because things come so easily for us compared to how it did in the past. Many people do not see the importance of labor day; they only see it as a day of enjoyment or a time of leisure. Krugman states that, "But the fact is that economic inequality has soared over the past few decades, and while a handful of people have stratospheric incomes, a far larger number of Americans find that no matter how hard they work, they can’t afford the basics of a middle-class existence.." The bottom line is that, with very few exceptions, in Washington there are no politicians interested in the efforts of the American worker beyond wanting their vote and so on. Krugman see's Congress lacking respect to laborers and he feels this way because he says that many carry out the attitude that if you're not wealthy then you are inferior to those that are wealthy. Thus, labor day has lost its original meaning because of the present day attitudes and lack of realization that the ones who work and strive for a living should be the one's respected. His words are clearly stated when he says, "No, what’s unimaginable now is that Congress would unanimously offer even an empty gesture of support for workers’ dignity." Even the wealth of nations stated, "It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all the wealth of the world was originally purchased.”
ReplyDeleteI do not think that people in the US respect those who labor. The quote given by Congress shows how little Congress respects laborers. Congress sees labor day as a time to give back to those who have become successful from their work. They blatantly leave out those who may not be as successful, but work twice as hard. Krugman's view is that people who need the aid of welfare and other government programs are considered to be "takers" by politicians and government officials. "Labor Day" has lost its meaning because while it was once a day that represented appreciation of people who have been hard workers, it is now just a name given to a holiday that gives people a day off from work.
ReplyDeleteLabor Day was originally a day to show respect for labors. Americans now see it as a day of rest and Teenagers see it as a day off from school. We don't realize how hard people work to put a roof over their head, or at least a meal for their family. We shame people who aren't wealthy or have sufficient amount of cash. We make them feel like losers and make them feel embarrassed of what their income is or what their occupation is. What's sad is how the poor isn't getting help. " Aid to Families With Dependent Children " haven't exceeded to about 5% of the population.
ReplyDelete"...But the one thing we’ll know for sure is that they don’t mean it." What Krugman is trying to say here is how we say things but it doesn't come from our heart. We tweet, or say "Happy Labor Day" but 99% of us don't know where it originally came from, and misinterpret the meaning of this holiday.
I agree with Shelby, throughout the years labor day has transpired to become one of those days that you look forward to not going to work or school. We don't take the time to actually appreciate that day for what it actually is meant to be appreciated for. The quote does clearly demonstrate how congress has such little respect for laborers. In this 21st century most people if it doesn't have to deal with them, if it doesn't affect them in a positive or negative manner, then they don't really see the point in engaging.I agree when Krugman says the citizens are labeled as "takers" than "makers" cause of all honesty laborers are who keep everything in a smooth cycle. "Labor Day" has completely lost the meaning it once had before, and I don't think there's any way of getting it back cause we can't change the mentality of others.
ReplyDeleteI think that in today's society, Labor Day is observed to be as a day of rest and relaxation rather than a day of giving thanks to the laborers. The majority of our working force today are employees-workers working for businesses and individuals.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people are now losing respect for these laborers. For example, Mr. Cantor's comment on Twitter regarding the individuals who "built their own success" was just uncalled for. It almost seems that people these days are insulting the laborers by calling them "takers"-saying that they are taking advantage of the government's welfare.
I think Krugman's intention of writing this article was to open the reader's eye on the original purpose of Labor Day and to further discuss the ongoing discrimination against the laborer's, which this holiday was dedicated to.
Labor Day has lost it's original meaning because everyone has just stopped showing respect or recognition for the hard working people of America. It has turned into a holiday about "hot dogs", as Krugman says; it's not taken with any consideration.
I think some people in the US do respect the laborers and some doesn't. However, in the time we're leaving in today most people take it as a day for them to do nothing but a sleeping and relaxing day. According to Krugman Congress doesn't respect laborers. Krugman's rationale is that just because a while back some workers used to work really hard that they hardly take a break doesn't mean they are well respected. Labor day has lost its original meaning because too many think of it as a day off. Instead, they should have been thinking why do we have Labor day, its meaning, and how hard people used to work back in the day.
ReplyDeletePersonally, i respect laborers because, for a while, i worked at a job that required long hours of labor in the sun, and i experienced first hand the toils of working. I believe that those who understand what labor feels like will respect those who labor. In general, the respect is decreasing because less and less people are working, mainly teens in high school. Krugman believes that congress absolutely does not respect laborers. He makes this clear when he says that politicians can't even fake the respect. I agree with him because i can see how in a competitive world like ours that the powers that be wouldn't even give people besides themselves a second thought. Krugman believes that people who receive government aid, even though they work hard just to put food on the table, are considered "takers" and that there are a lot of people like that in America. Labor day has lost its meaning because people don't even know what it is anymore and just see it as a day off from work or school. They are more focused on being on vacation or eating hot dogs than they are on giving thanks for those who labor for their country.
ReplyDeleteI believe that honestly the vast majority of people don't really respect those who labor. I understand there's always going to be people who appreciate more then others but I agree , just like others, that most people in general really don't honestly truthfully treat laborers with the true respect that they deserve. I don't really blame some people because some jobs are a lot less difficult and more tolerable then others buts its also wrong at the same time to feel one job worker deserves more respect than another due to the job he works.
ReplyDeletePaul Krugman believes that congress basically in a sense spits in the face of laborers. He says that congress can't even bring themselves to fake respect for laborers. In simple terms, he feels that congress has no respect for laborers. His rationale for this is that even though some people are doing more then others, there is a lack of respect towards the dedication of everyone in general.
I believe Labor Day has lost It's original meaning because people honestly because people think of it just as a day to get away from all the other days. I believe most people feel it more as that instead of thanking those who worked really hard for this country.
In my opinion most people in the US only care about themselves and do not respect those who labor for a living. What Krugman is trying to say about the politicians is that they are too busy lining their own pockets with more money to care about the needs of normal Americans and those below normal who labor and struggle to survive. They cannot even fake respect the labors as they see them as insignificant in their world. "Labor Day" has lost it's original meaning because of the current generation of people who are self centered and the media turning the holiday into a sales reduction on technology and other goods.
ReplyDeleteIt's very true that nowadays people have lost the meaning of LABOR DAY and a lot of very important events as well. I agree that society can be inconsiderate and selfish, for example, wealthy people will always see themselves as SUPERIOR to the people who can't afford the same things they do and it's always going to be like that no matter how hard we try to fight it. It's not surprising, it's just SAD. However, I believe that anyone who's decent and hardworking enough to earn a living deserves, at least, some respect. Maybe showing them how grateful we are is all they need to motivate them to keep working hard and not give up. As far as the income tax, food stamps or Medicaid, we all know that although USA is a country full of opportunities, not everyone can benefit from them so it's really a fair thing to do when we don't judge them.
ReplyDeleteI do believe Labor Day has lost its original meaning. While laborers grind every day to put food on their plate, the rich do everything in their power to stay wealthy. That is why Congress does not care about the laborers because most of them consist of or support the wealthy. Helping laborers would mean that they would have to take money from the wealthy to give to the less privileged. They might say that they are thankful for all the hard workers, but that is only to continue receiving people's support for Congress.
ReplyDeleteLabor day is to congratulate the people that work hard everyday, but clearly those people that work everyday and struggle for making payments or being able to pay payments at all are not getting much support. the reason is because the wealthy have so much money and the lower class don't have much or any at all, but still pay more taxes then the wealthy, which is very crazy and why I think "Labor Day" lost its meaning. What I think Krugman is trying to say is that the people in congress really don't care about other people except for themselves, they want to be the people with the money, and want everything to be good for their wealthy class.
ReplyDeleteRespect for laborers has dwindled over the years. Laborers no longer get the respect that they deserve because people no longer realize the important role that they play in the functioning of America. In reality Washington and congressmen are not interested in the average American worker beyond wanting their vote. They are interested in big money donors who put money into their pockets and campaign. Labor Day has lost its original meaning because it no longer represents those who work hard for a living every day. Krugman comes to this conclusion because he believes that “there are evidently a lot of wealthy people in America who consider anyone who isn't wealthy a loser — an attitude that has clearly gotten stronger as the gap between the 1 percent and everyone else has widened.”
ReplyDeleteI believe that people in the US do not respect laborers as much as they did back then. According to Krugman, Congress do not respect laborers, in the article he points out a tweet from Eric Cantor, the House majority leader stating "Today we celebrate those who have taken a risk, worked hard, built a business and earned their own success." He made it seem as if its a holiday to honor people who have started a business. Not even taking in to a count people who work for companies, who also work hard and take a risk everyday. Krugman's rationale for this problem is people don't understand the meaning behind Labor Day. "Labor Day" lost it's original meaning because people, including Congress believe it is a day to honor people who take a risk to be business owners and work hard everyday. Labor day is a day of rest for ALL workers who get up everyday and go to work.
ReplyDeleteI find this concerning, but not surprising. America Has become the way it is becuase of capitalism. The man on top plans on staying on top by spending only what is needed. The trickle down affect told be republicans only exists with people with the mindset of expanding. The problem is not everyone is into expanding because expansion needs money. People doing hard labor keeps americans in this ficticous mind set of things magically working and looking nice. The average garbage man makes 25,000 dollars a year. If all our garbage men decided to go on strike what would we? I've always had a mind set that if everyone came together and stood for what needed to change, change would happen. This is only a dream though because who would do all the work to try to make it happen? Also the government might try to stop it from happening reguardless. Some people see people do work as parasites but don't realize that they do the jobs others don't want to. Laborers have lost lots of respect not to long ago a teacer would make less than a garbage man. Honestly looking for someone on high horse to help those struggling is like looking people on mars. If people came together then change could be possible.
ReplyDeleteThe people of the United States have sadly lost respect for all laborers across the country. Labor Day in today's society has been depicted has a free day off, where we have a fun time at a BBQ and yet we are not thankful for those who have worked a majority of their life time trying to contribute to the success of this country. Just because 1% of this country is actually succeeding and living the American dream, that doesn’t mean that the other 99% is as well. Krugman stands by the American people that make up the 99%, and evens attack politicians stating, "For the fact is that many of today’s politicians can’t even bring themselves to fake respect for ordinary working Americans.
ReplyDeletePersonally, i don't believe that people in the US give the respect that is deserved for the laborers. Labor day was once a day that we took off for those who worked so hard, usually celebrate with family and give thanks to those who work. Nowadays its just a day for those who take a risk to be business owners and work hard everyday.Instead of a day of rest for all workers who get up everyday and go to work. I think Krugman was actually kind of selfish and basically saying he doesn't care about anything or anyone but himself and those in the wealthy class, to keep it up.
ReplyDeletePortrayed in the article, the attitude projected by the Americans for those who labor daily is negative. The only people in the country that respect those in labor would only be the people who labor themselves. They know what it is to be the laborer and not sit on a pedestal having everything handed to them. According to Krugman, Congress does not respect laborers by the closing statement, "So, this time around will we be hearing anything from Mr. Cantor and his colleagues suggesting that they actually do respect people who work for a living? Maybe. But the one thing we’ll know for sure is that they don’t mean it." Krugman's rationale is that congress or the upper 1% does not justify the laborers in their "Labor Day" tweet posted by Eric Cantor. They only acknowledge business owners or people of that nature. The problem is that they just do not care for the majority of the population. Labor Day has lost its meaning, it was meant as respect for the people who striked against Pullman in 1894 but now all we do is grill hot dogs as laborers while the upper 1% does not show any appreciation towards the root of the whole holiday.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Labor day has lost its meaning, and Americans sculpted the day into something else. Originally, it was to honor the hard working people, that struggled to supply their families. Congress does not respect the working class, their greed to wealth have the poor face more obstacles in order to succeed. Krugman did this to have us aware and remind us what the original meaning of the holiday was gone. Labor day is now seen as a day off from work and school. People have lost respect to those that break their back everyday to provide for their family. When respect is lost, so does the care.
ReplyDeleteI personally feel that the US does not respect those in labor and it is justified by Krugman himself through this article. Krugman stated in the the article that a higher official in government tweeted about Labor Day, but only dedicating it to business owners. Is that what higher officials only see when referring to the 99%? Krugman's rationale on the entire topic is that Labor Day is not what it was originally set forth for. He indicates that the meaning has been tarnished by the upper class that does not show empathy towards the actual laborers. Labor Day has lost its meaning because it does not represent the moral of the holiday. All we do is get that day off publicly and go as we please. not really appreciating why it became a profound holiday in the US.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Americans have lost respect for laborers and have lost the true meaning of "Labor Day". The attitude portrayed by Americans towards laborers is not very positive. Now-a-days we take advantage of the day off to cook hot dogs and have a BBQ, some people don't even know the purpose of Labor Day, which is sad. Labor Day is a day to celebrate and appreciate those who work every day to keep the world going around. Krugman believes that Congress has absolutely no respect for laborers. He says that congress can't even bring themselves to fake respect for laborers. His rationale for this is that there is a lack of respect to those who are working really hard every day.
ReplyDeleteI believe that most Americans have lost respect for laborers. They seem to only respect the wealthy but sometimes it doesn't matter hard how you work but the opportunities that you are given. Some people work very hard to provide for their families but still might need a little help & that's what the government are for but people don't respect that. I agree that politicians don't have respect for laborers, they definitely the wealthy so what's it matter to them. The respect for Labor Day has been lost, instead of praising those you work to survive every day. Americans look down on them because of the people strong enough to put their pride aside & receive benefits instead if being homeless.
ReplyDeleteI dont think that it is the average american that has lost respect for laborers but rater our government.With this loss of respect for the working man also comes the loss of the meaning of labor day. It is no longer had to show appreciation for those that worke hard physically to build this country, and work long hours to provide for their families, now it is just seen as a day off with no reason behind it.I also think Krugman believes congress has no respect for the working man as is apparent when talking about how those in the government dont even know the meaning behind the day.
ReplyDeleteLabor Day is seen as a day to kick back and enjoy yourself at the beach or by having a barbeque in you back yard. But people today do not truly respect why The United States has labor day. We have labor day to give thanks to those who work their butts off in order to create and work and provide for their family and communities. People need to give more respect out to those who work hard for what they earn.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the respect for laborers in the U.S. has significantly decreased over the years. This is due to the fact that most people these days don't understand the hard work that has to be put into jobs that require labor. These days jobs are getting easier and easier to do with the help of technology and robots and they are not as hard to complete/do like they were back in the day when humans had to do it all with no help from computers or phones and things of that nature. The jobs that do not have these, the laborers have to work twice as hard and most people don't understand that. According to Krugman Congress does not respect laborers because that have like a mind set that if you are not wealthy then you are lower in rank then those who are wealthy. The whole point of Labor Day was to honor those who work so hard and now people, especially Congress just use it as a day to honor those who are successful not those whose blood, sweat and tears are on the line everyday just to live. Also those in the government view laborers as "takers" instead of "makers" when in reality they are makers because they make their own money from their jobs they don't just sit there and make thousands of dollars a day like they do. Overall in my opinion I believe that the average working american respects laborers, unlike those who are wealthy either form having jobs that do nor require labor or those who gained it from inheritance.
ReplyDeleteI believe most people do not even know what the day stands for. Most people see it as a way to relax and layback but innevitablly avoiding the fact that they are disrecspecting labor day. Most people dont have respect as to many that labor ussually it will be selfish thinking towards themselves instead of being considerate to those who labor. According to Krugman, even congress has lack of respect for such day. As stated "No, what’s unimaginable now is that Congress would unanimously offer even an empty gesture of support for workers’ dignity." By that saying how he can simply take a day to hor business men as to those are the only people who worked. If thats congress you could imagine most peoples opinion on the significance of labor day. Krugman says himself "In particular, there are evidently a lot of wealthy people in America who consider anyone who isn’t wealthy a loser — an attitude that has clearly gotten stronger as the gap between the 1 percent and everyone else has widened. And such people have a lot of friends in Washington. " clearly stating that the persepctive has changed as time has changed. His rationale is clearly that the world is not what it once was and should respect the fact of such day but lack of respect is innevitable in such times due to the fact of people looking down on those with less money. -Kevin Pestana Period.5
ReplyDeleteI feel that people in the US could care less about those who labor unless the laborers are themselves. As a whole people in the US only care about themselves, so yes, I do think people in the US have lost respect for those who labor. People should respect laborers on their grind because the little, dirty jobs, an average American shuns, benefits our economy in many ways and should be respected. According to Krugman I think Congress does not respect laborers. I think Congress feels that since the US laborers are not laboring as they are the US laborers labor should not be respected because it is not up to par to the “Congress labor”, which is Krugman’s rationale for this problem. Congress feels like the laborers are "takers" instead of "makers”, which is disrespectful because the laborers are making the money they work hard to receive. I feel that Labor Day has lost its original meaning because many people do not know the history behind the meaning of Labor Day. Today it is simply known as a day off from school or work to barbeque or go to the beach, but little do people know of the Pullman strike of 1894.
ReplyDeleteI feel that laborers in the US aren't respected. Labor day has become a meaningless day, where people are glad not to go to work. According to Krugman, Congress doesn't respect laborers, only looking at the expenses of helping working people survive, through even basic needs such as "health insurance" or "putting food on the table." Krugmans rationale about the problem of a loss of respect for laborers is simply that the working class is getting less and less respect, as "The attitude has clearly gotten stronger as the gap between the 1 percent and everyone else has widened." Labor day has lost its meaning and has become another holiday cherished by many as a day of no work, instead of a day to celebrate all of the hard people who work to allow the US to operate as many people are now considered "takers" rather than "makers" by the government.
ReplyDeleteLabor Day was originally a day to show respect for labors. Americans now see it as a day of rest and Teenagers see it as a day off from school. According to Krugman, Congress doesn't respect laborers, only looking at the expenses of helping working people survive.Labor day has lost its meaning and has become another holiday cherished by many as a day of no work, instead of a day to celebrate all of the hard people who work to allow the US to operate as many people are now considered "takers" rather than "makers" by the government. Today it is simply known as a day off from school or work to barbeque or go to the beach, but little do people know of the Pullman strike of 1894.
ReplyDeleteI believe that most Americans have lost respect for laborers. They seem to only respect the wealthy but sometimes it doesn't matter hard how you work but the opportunities that you are given. Some people work very hard to provide for their families but still might need a little help & that's what the government are for but people don't respect that. I agree that politicians don't have respect for laborers, they definitely the wealthy so what's it matter to them.I believe Labor Day has lost It's original meaning because people honestly because people think of it just as a day to get away from all the other days. I believe most people feel it more as that instead of thanking those who worked really hard for this country.
ReplyDeleteAs much as we like to say that people in the U.S respect labor day, the truth is they don't. Labor day, nowadays is just another off with no real value. Its mostly because we only consider laborers as those who are successful in the market place. What about the rest of the population who struggle, who does the most inhumane jobs to raise their families? Well, they don't have a place in our congress men hearts.As Krugman said "...today's politicians can't even bring themselves to fake respect for ordinary working American." Our government who are supposed to recognized these laborers, throw them into the category of bums just because their insufficient incomes forced them to get additional help such as welfare, food stamps, and medicaid. Krugman's rational for this is that the economic inequality have turned people into ignorants. the wealthy people always seem to consider the working class as losers who only munch of their taxes or government help, as if people chose to be in the bottom 99%. Labor day has lost its value because people to get care enough to learn the meaning behind things, they prefer to just act like they know what it is. Labor day is a day to honor laborers, not just the upper 1% but anyone who work to provide for their families, even if they get help from the government. Unfortunately, only few know this and until we all do, labor day will never be significant.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the people in the US don't respect those who labor.We only respect ourselves and the people who do similar work as ourselves. According to Krugman, Congress doesn't respect laborers. Congress only sees Labor day as a day to respect business owners. And while they are laborers themselves, there are still tons of people who are working hard and deserve to be respected even though they did not start their own business. Labor day has lost it's original meaning because nobody has taken the time to learn the reason behind the day. Us Americans just see it as another day off in the year. If we as a country took the time to learn about the Pullman strike Labor day would regain some of it's value.
ReplyDeleteMany people,referring mostly to the wealthy, do no not respect those who labor. These people don't see that not everyone had the same opportunity as them to be able to complete college and get an education to make something of themselves. They are blind to the fact that these people had to make the best out of what they had. People don't choose if they are going to be born into a rich or poor family ;therefore if a child is born in poverty then they must try twice as hard in order to assure a better future. These kids do not have the commodities that higher level classes do so a lot of them need help from someone else: the government. Just because a family or individual is receiving help from the government does not mean they are bums on the street. This simply means that despite their hard work and efforts the income they receive is still insufficient to lead a stable life. According to Krugman ,Congress does not respect laborers, they barely even consider them laborers. Krugman believes that Congress overlooks those who are struggling and sees them as parasites because they feed of off the government. Krugman's rational is that only around 7% of the American population actually receives aid from the government through programs such as Medicaid and Food stamps. Labor day has lost it's meaning because people are not informed how labor day even started. They know that labor day actually arose to honor those laborers in the struggling lower class.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that in American we have lost respect for labor day many of us don't realize how hard some people work for a paycheck,and i do believe is that the rich don't realize the hard work that goings into someone who is a laborer. they believe that if your not working in a office you are not trying that hard,and shouldn't be rewarded for the job that you do.
ReplyDeleteI believe many Americans (especially upper 10%) undermine the hard work and value of laborers. For example, in the article, Paul Rugman links to another article that shows, and rightfully criticizes, Rep. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor comments on labor day, stating "Today, we celebrate those who have taken a risk, worked hard, built a business, and earned their own success." A House Leader doesn't even understand what labor day is about. Labor day is a day for hard working Americans to realize their efforts in building a strong economic country.
ReplyDeleteI think people that are the "5%" don't really see the whole picture. For example, in the article, Paul Rugman links to another article that shows, and rightfully criticizes, Rep. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor comments on labor day, stating "Today, we celebrate those who built a business and worked". But the picture is posed toward the upper class, not the blue collar worker who works everyday to get payed pennies.
ReplyDeleteBased on the article written by Krugman it's obvious that the people in in the US does not respect those who labor.For instance, in the article Krugman state that labor day is not dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers as most people thought.An example of that in the article is the statement that Krugman state that in 1894 Pullman Workers went on strike and Grover Cleveland deployed 12,000 soldiers in other to break the union.Using armed interests of property was so blatant that even the Gilded Age was shocked. So in order to appease that Congress passed legislation symbolic "honoring the nations workers". Having get that far, it's clearer that Krugman doesn't believe that congress actually respect labor day.Take the fact that how Eric Cantor the House of Majority leader, marked labor day as a day to celebrate business owners instead of the "true laborers" that work hard to keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that respect has been lost for laborers because majority of americans view Labor Day as a day to rest and relax, and seldom do we actually take the time out to thank and pay respects to our fellow laborers who helped build this nation into what it is today, while also having to provide for their families.
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